CMS has a varied workload which includes advising on full fibre broadband connectivity, a range of tech sector transactions, and regulations. The group is involved in large cloud and data transactions in the UK, as well as in outsourcing and tech transformation projects, which are areas of strength of Sam De Silva. Digital infrastructure is also an area of expertise, the team frequently manages matters concerning data centres, subsea and satellite work. Telecoms providers and regulators, as well as major UK and international telecom operators feature in the team's client list, as well as AI pioneers and fintech companies. Ian Stevens has an AI and fintech specialist. Matthew Bennett, Anthony Waller and Chris Watson are the trio at the helm of the group; Bennett handles large IT infrastructure transformations, while Watson often handles IT matters at the intersection of competition and regulation. Large-scale IT procurement is Dominic Dryden's area of expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- In-depth understanding of the sector and, in particular, certain regulatory models (e.g., functional and legal separation in telecoms).
- Ian Stevens is one of the best technology and telecom lawyers in the UK. He has a wonderfully personable style that builds trust, respect, and collaboration within a short space of time. He proactively shares industry updates, connects you to people who have shared similar legal challenges, and is a pleasure to work with. Ian also provides invaluable thought leadership on the evolving legal landscape, based on his many years of solid experience, to break down the most complex matters into plain and actionable advice for stakeholders across the globe. Highly recommended.
- CMS provides exceptional client service. They have a very knowledgeable network of firms across the globe and are never shy of taking on the most complex challenges. They provide real-time updates to the ever-changing technology legal landscape and are ahead of the curve when it comes to developing processes and procedures to enable businesses to move quickly and efficiently.
- The team did a great job advising us, working with dedication and providing top-quality advice.
- I think that they have a deep knowledge of how technology works, what the commercial considerations are, and so when they support a client, they do it well.
- Ian Steven is a standout partner, alongside Of Counsel Craig Allen. Craig deserves special mention as he is new to CMS and is an absolute star - he is ex in-house and there is nothing he has not seen before, and on big tech deals, that's super.
Key clients
- ADInstruments
- Circet UK
- Equipped.AI
- European Subsea Cables Association
- Go Fibre
- Grain Connect Limited
- New Balance
- SchoolGrid Limited
- Truespeed Communications Group Limited
- Zafin Labs Americas Incorporated
Work highlights
Advised Zafin on a strategic, multi‑year Outsourcing Agreement with CaixaBank, S.A., one of Europe’s largest and most digitally advanced retail banks.
Advised New Balance on multiple technology matters including a mission-critical IT outsourcing contract with EDICOM to implement a Belgium-compliant B2B e‑invoicing solution ahead of the 1st of January 2026 nationwide mandate, securing a turnkey SaaS integration over the PEPPOL network for both accounts receivable and payable flows and seamless interoperability with New Balance’s ERP systems.
Advised ADInstruments (ADI) on a strategically important outsourcing that underpins its entire EU import model for scientific hardware, appointing a specialist tax and customs service provider to take end to end responsibility for customs activities while UPS files declarations as ADI’s direct representative.
Lawyers
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Leading partners: IT
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Practice head
Matthew Bennett; Anthony Waller; Chris Watson
Other key lawyers
Sam De Silva; Dominic Dryden; Ian Stevens